Any veteran dog owner will readily attest to why you must build trust with your dog.
This trust is the building block needed for the respect, bonding, communication, and protection that make the relationship with man’s best friend unique.
You probably know that spending time with your dog and caring for its material needs will help foster trust, but you can also take several other measures to ensure that your dog completely trusts you.
Connect with your dog
There should be a certain amount of time each day when your dog knows it has your undivided attention. This means not talking, texting, or engaging in other distractions while spending quality time with your dog.
Establish an emotional connection with your dog by looking deep into its eyes while communicating your thoughts and feelings. Ask your dog how the day is going and rub the places on their body you know it appreciates.
Your dog will love and appreciate you much more when it knows there is time spent by you each day just “being” with them.
To connect with your dog, prioritize spending quality time together through activities like playing, walking, or relaxing.
Maintain a calm energy, as dogs are sensitive to their owners’ emotions, and consider going on adventures to explore new environments together.
Incorporate treat-based training to reward your dog’s behavior and enhance trust. Grooming sessions, like brushing and bathing, can also strengthen your bond.
Pay attention to your dog’s body language; understanding their signals fosters safety and love.
Establishing a consistent routine for feeding and walks creates a sense of security.
Finally, be patient and understanding, recognizing that building a connection takes time.
Provide security
Your dog needs to feel the same safety and security that you and the other “people” in your life need to feel. Never miss a chance to show your dog you are aware and attentive to its needs.
Your dog should know that food will always be available and its bowl will always contain water.
Make sure your dog’s living space is clean and safe. A dog that feels well-protected will make it a point to stand firm for its owner when necessary, just as its owner stands for it.
To ensure your dog’s security, create a safe indoor and outdoor environment.
Install a sturdy, high fence to prevent escapes, and use dig-proof barriers if necessary.
Always use a leash and harness during walks to maintain control and protect your dog from hazards.
Use ID tags, including your contact information, and microchip your dog for permanent identification.
Use baby gates to restrict access to certain areas inside your home, and keep windows and doors locked when you are not home.
When traveling in a car, keep hazardous items out of reach and secure your dog with a seat belt or crate.
Be consistent
This principle goes hand in hand with providing your dog with feelings of security. Imagine if someone you depended on for something important never showed up on time or each day you went to work you were told there was a new set of expectations for you.
It would be difficult for you to trust the people and situations you face.
Inconsistency and unpredictability destroy trust. Your dog will be much more confident in you if they know what to expect.
To maintain consistency in dog training, start by setting clear goals for the desired behaviors you want to teach.
Create a regular training schedule, ideally at the same time each day, and use specific commands consistently to avoid confusion.
Employ positive reinforcement by rewarding good behavior with treats or praise immediately after the desired action. Involve all family members to ensure everyone uses the same commands and methods.
Keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes) and engaging to maintain your dog’s attention.
Be patient and understanding, as each dog learns at its own pace. Monitor progress to identify areas needing focus.
Finally, stay calm and confident, as your demeanor impacts your dog’s learning environment.
Stay calm
Sometimes, you are excited to see your dog, and it will be difficult not to demonstrate this excitement.
However, you should show calm and speak softly during regular interaction with your dog.
Greeting your dog in an excited state can cause them to confuse the energy you are showing with a sign that a danger exists.
Training a dog requires patience and realistic expectations, as dogs may not learn commands immediately.
Create a calm environment free of distractions to help maintain focus.
If you get frustrated, take short breaks to regroup.
Rewarding your dog with treats or praise for following commands fosters motivation and a positive atmosphere.
Maintain consistency with commands to reduce confusion, and keep training sessions short, around 5 to 15 minutes, to prevent boredom.
A calm and assertive demeanor reassures your dog and keeps them engaged.
End each session positively, celebrating small successes, and focus on progress rather than perfection.
Communicate on your dog’s level
Make it a habit to approach your dog from the side.
Once close to the dog, kneel beside them and train your eyes in the same direction.
This will place you in the dog’s personal space in the most non-confrontational manner possible. You and your dog will now be on equal terms as you begin to communicate.
To communicate effectively with your dog, start by using approachable body language. Crouch down to their level and use short, consistent commands like “sit” or “stay.” Pair this with a cheerful tone for praise and firmer tones for commands.
Incorporating visual cues, such as hand signals, can further reinforce your requests.
Be patient as your dog processes your commands, and use positive reinforcement—treats, praise, or toys—to reward good behavior.
Engage in fun activities to strengthen your bond and help your dog see you as a friend.
Additionally, observe your dog’s body language to better understand its needs.
Maintain a calm demeanor, as dogs are sensitive to your energy. Consistency in commands and cues is crucial to prevent confusion and aid learning.
Let your dog come to you
When in the trust-building stage with a dog, it is sometimes best to let them choose when interacting with you will occur.
If a dog approaches you, it is a sign that the dog is interested in interacting with you.
When the dog licks your hand, it is a sign that you can pet and play with it.
If they turn away, the dog is not interested in further interaction.
You should always respect your dog’s space when they are not in the mood to be bothered.
To encourage your dog to come to you, start using treats. Call your dog’s name, show a treat to grab their attention, and then move it towards you.
Positive reinforcement is crucial—reward them with praise and treats when they approach.
You can also engage them in play by tossing their favorite toy and calling them back to increase excitement.
Teaching a “come” command is essential, so practice this in a quiet area before trying it in more distracting environments.
Begin training in a small, familiar space and gradually increase the distance as your dog gains confidence. If they don’t respond immediately, stay calm, crouch down, and gently repeat the command instead of chasing after them.
Incorporate hand signals to aid communication and avoid negative associations with coming to you, like linking it to trips to the vet.
Consider using a leash to guide them if practicing in an open area.
Take a walk
How you walk your dog is an integral part of building trust and establishing the relationship dynamics.
In the dog world, the pack leader is constantly approached by other members while traveling together. There is no exception to this rule.
A daily walk with your dog will help reinforce who the pack’s leader is daily.
It will also tell your dog you will always provide them with direction and protection. It will not take long for your dog to understand that it is safe to maintain a calm but assertive demeanor during your daily walks.
Taking your dog for a walk provides an excellent opportunity to establish yourself as its leader and protector.
Start by using a firm leash and maintaining a confident posture, giving your dog a sense of security.
Use consistent verbal commands, such as “heel” or “sit,” to teach your dog to look to you for guidance.
Rewarding good behavior with treats reinforces trust and encourages your dog to stay close.
Occasionally changing your walking route keeps things interesting while showing your dog that you will safely guide it through new environments.
Stay aware of your surroundings and guide your dog around potential hazards, reinforcing your protective role.
Maintain a steady pace to help your dog learn to follow your lead. Allow some exploration, but gently guide it back when necessary.
Practice leash training to help your dog walk calmly by your side, emphasizing control.
Enjoy the bonding process
A natural bond will begin when you consistently follow the trust-building concepts with your furry companion. The desire to be loved and secure is a common trait all living things share.
You will understand why “man’s best friend” was initially coined when creating this environment for you and your dog.
Remember that your dog is a trusted family member, and take the time to enjoy the bond that develops between you. Your dog will often sense your love and admiration for them and reciprocate these emotions.
To bond with your dog, engage in regular playtime with activities like fetch or tug-of-war to build trust.
Training together can also enhance your connection; teaching new tricks through positive reinforcement training fosters communication.
Daily walks help you explore new environments, while a consistent routine for feeding and play provides security.
Taking your dog on outings to parks or trails creates lasting memories, and cuddle time fosters physical closeness.
Regular grooming sessions keep your dog healthy and strengthen your bond.
Incorporate interactive toys to challenge your dog mentally and cheer them on as they solve puzzles.
Socializing with other dogs and people boosts their confidence and enhances your relationship.
Lastly, practice positive reinforcement by rewarding good behavior with praise and dog treats, strengthening your loving connection.
Incorporate bonding tips in your dog’s daily routine
Establish a consistent schedule
Dogs thrive on routine, so try to feed, walk, and play with your dog at the same time every day.
This consistency helps them know what to expect and can reduce anxiety.
Incorporate training sessions
Use mealtime as an opportunity to incorporate training. Before serving your dog food, teach your dog basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” or “come.”
Short, frequent training sessions are most effective, so aim for 5-10 minutes of training a couple of times daily.
Daily exercise
Include physical activity in your dog’s routine. This can be a brisk walk, a jog, or playtime in the yard.
Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, adjusting based on your dog’s age and breed.
Mental stimulation
Introduce puzzle toys or interactive feeders that challenge your dog’s mind.
You can set aside time each day for these mental exercises. Rotating the toys regularly can help keep things interesting.
Socialization
Plan regular outings where your dog can interact with other dogs and people.
This could be at the park, dog-friendly events, or playdates with friends’ dogs. Aim for at least one social interaction a week.
Grooming routine
Brush your dog’s coat regularly and check their ears and paws for debris or irritation.
Set aside a specific day each week for grooming to keep this aspect of their care consistent.
Quality time
Integrate bonding activities into your day, such as cuddling on the couch or playing fetch in the backyard.
Prioritize this quality time to strengthen your relationship with your dog.
Hydration and breaks
Ensure your dog has access to fresh water throughout the day, especially after exercise.
Take breaks during long walks or play sessions to allow your dog to hydrate and rest.
Monitor health
Incorporate a weekly check-in for your dog’s health. Look for any changes in behavior, appetite, or physical condition.
Keeping a journal can help you track any issues that arise.
Review and adjust
Periodically review your dog’s routine and adjust it based on its needs, energy levels, and any changes in health as it ages.
Flexibility is key to ensuring your dog’s happiness and well-being.
Final thoughts on how to build trust with your dog
There are not many relationships that are more enjoyable than the ones that can develop between a human and their dog.
But before you can realize the full potential of this bond, you need to build trust with your dog.
The eight tips will provide a solid foundation for building trust with your dog and have you well on your way to developing a solid relationship with your four-legged family member.